Hyperlipoproteinemia

Too much of lipid and/or lipoproteins in the blood can lead to hyperlipoproteinemia. Hyperlipoproteinemia is also known as hyperlipemia or hyperlipidemia and is a metabolic disorder. This disease remains silent for years together; only when the person suffers any heart ailment does this condition come to light. Heredity and diet play a major role in the onset of this disease; hereditary blood fat disorders are the main cause for Hyperlipoproteinemia.

Other common conditions that can cause this condition are diabetes, liver and kidney disease, hypothyroidism, alcohol and cigarette smoking. Few medications like progesterone, beta blockers, etc also increase the fat level in the bloodstream. If left unattended or untreated hyperlipoproteinemia can lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This condition is common in adults rather than in children and can occur both in men and women. Depending on the excessive chemical found in the blood stream, hyperlipoproteinemia can be classified into five types:

Type I – Elevation of triglycerides

Type II – Elevated cholesterol and in few cases elevated triglycerides

Type III – Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels with subsequent vascular diseases

Type IV – Elevated triglycerides alone but no risk of vascular diseases

Type V – Similar to type I

No specific symptoms are shown for hyperlipoproteinemia. In very rare cases when the fat level in the blood shoots up too high, fat gets deposited in the form of bumps in the skin and tendons, this is referred to as xanthomas. In few cases, the liver and spleen enlarge when the triglycerides level shoot up too high. This leads to Pancreatitis causing severe abdominal pain. The diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinemia can be made by measuring the triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipid profile, LDL and the HDL levels in the blood.

• Patients should consume a healthy low-fat or fat-free diet. They should avoid saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat.
  
• Monounsaturated fat like olive oil is recommended and is the healthiest option.
  
• Medications are also prescribed to bring down the LDL, HDL levels and the cholesterol levels in the blood.
  
• Doctors would advice the person to lose weight if obese.
  
• Physical activity is also be recommended.
  
• Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables should be consumed.
  
• Food items like oatmeal, oat bran, rice bran, citrus fruits, rice bran, strawberries, apple pulp, beans and peas should be consumed.
  

Fibrinogen level

Fibrinogen is a blood plasma protein that is made by the liver. It is required by the body in adequate levels to stop bleeding during an injury. Too high or too little fibrinogen doesn't favor the body. Too little fibrinogen can impair the body's ability to form a stable blood clot thus resulting in bleeding disorders. High levels predispose a person to coronary and cerebral artery disease, even if other risk factors are low.

For over 10 years, extensive study on Fibrinogen levels and its impact on health are being conducted. The observations are:

• High fibrinogen levels are on par with other known risk factors such as elevated LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, obesity and diabetes.
  
  
• There is ample data that indicates a genetic connection. Fibrinogen levels have been found to be high in persons with a family history of heart disease.
  
  
• Exposure to cold increases fibrinogen levels by 23%. Consequently, mortality from heart attack and stroke are higher in winter compared to hot summer months.
  
  
• High levels of fibrinogen suggest atherosclerosis. It may also worsen existing injury to artery walls.
  
  
• Above normal fibrinogen levels increases the risks of heart attacks (two times more as compared to those with low level) and strokes.

To assess Fibrinogen levels, a blood test is required. Normal fibrinogen level is considered to be between 200 and 400 mg/L. Based on fibrinogen test results, preventive measures can be taken to keep the heart healthy. Hence Fibrinogen test is part of a general evaluation of cardiovascular disease. A test to measure fibrinogen levels is recommended for: